Congratulations on your twins! And good on you for doing some
research into breastfeeding twins and tandem feeding.
Although I have never breastfed twins myself, I have found some
information that may be relevant for you.
Breast feed your babies together at the same time - this may be
difficult to position them initially but it will save you so much
time.
This will work well while the babies are newborn while they have
the same sleeping and feeding patterns, but as they get older you
may find that you need to feed them individually. Just depending on
each of their hunger patterns.
There are a couple of different ways that you can hold the
babies in order to breast feed them at the same time.
One way is to place the babies in front of you and overlap their
legs. This makes like an X across your lap.
The other way is to place both babies in the "football" hold.
Place the babies on the pillows with their legs going toward the
back of the chair and their heads in your lap. Try to keep their
bodies turned toward you with their chests against your chest.
It will be a lot easier for you to hold and support two babies
weight while you are breastfeeding if you use a Breastfeeding
Pillow.
Some lactation consultants suggest that you feed one baby one
breast, and the other baby the other breast for the whole day. Then
the next day you swap them over. This evens out their particular
needs. You may like to look at a Nursing Reminder wristband which can be used
to record the time that you feed the baby, and this will be a handy
wristband reminder for you so you know which side each baby is
feeding from for the day. And also to make sure that both baby's
get fed at each feeding time.
After you have got breastfeeding established, try to learn
different positions for breastfeeding. Learning to breastfeed while
lying down may be a little tricky to for the first few weeks, but
is worth it for the added rest you will get.
Please just be prior warned that many mothers of twins receive
criticism from others that do not share their enthusiasm for
breastfeeding. They may pressure you to use formula or other foods
before they are needed.
Believe in your ability to produce enough milk for your babies.
As long as you are offering them breast milk then your breast's
will be producing enough milk to satisfy them. Breasts work based
on Supply and Demand!
Make sure you are eating well and drinking lots of water. See
our tips on Boosting Breast Milk supply. You will need about 500
calories above your pre-pregnancy needs for each baby. Plus do
n't forget calcium supplements.
And finally - "no" you will not need to be sitting around
topless to feed your babies. You will soon learn the art of lifting
up your top to feed your babies. Though a tummy wrap will be
handy.